| ■ Green Potatoes May Contain Harmful Toxin | 2008.08.04 |
| Green-tinged potatoes may contain toxic glycoalkaloids that can cause serious illness in high concentrations, Indian researchers warn in a paper published online in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. Cutting away the green parts of a potato can reduce the risk.The researchers said glycoalkaloids are produced naturally by potatoes as protection against pests and disease, United Press International reported. Levels of the toxin can be controlled by adopting certain pre- and post-harvest measures, such as keeping potatoes well covered with soil during growth, allowing them to mature before harvesting, avoiding harvest at very high temperatures, and minimizing exposure to light. |